Chapter Two

The Elevator

The decision to go out had been Ethan’s.

A new place downtown, small plates and low lighting, the kind of evening that was supposed to feel easy. Sofia lit up at the suggestion. Noah agreed with a quiet nod. I smiled and said it sounded perfect, even as something restless shifted under my ribs at the thought of spending hours in close quarters with all of them.

The restaurant was already crowded when we arrived. We were seated at a corner table that forced knees and elbows into occasional contact. Conversation moved in light, circling patterns travel stories, Noah’s work, Sofia’s plans for the rest of...